Of Good Report

Our family went swimming during Christmas break. We needed a physical activity out of the house and I knew our Legacy Center passes would be expiring soon and that I would not be renewing them this year; therefore, it seemed like the perfect choice. Everyone is now fairly able to get themselves ready to go places and I can generally count on my kids knowing the appropriate attire for the occasion. I have to remind them to dress up for certain events that they don't necessarily attend often, like wedding receptions, or activities held in the chapel at the church even if it isn't Sunday. When we pack for a weekend get away or family vacation, I go over lists with them and do a quick check for Sarah. Other than that, they have learned fairly well the art of dressing themselves appropriately.  So, going swimming is not necessarily something that I have to micromanage. Everyone knows they need a swimming suit and towel. In the winter months I may remind them to be sure to bring u...

I was about 12 years old when my parents bought a piano. It was an old extra tall upright and I could not have been happier. During my elementary school years I would sit and listen to the pianists play during the talent shows, wishing I could do that too.  Shortly after making the piano purchase my mom began taking piano lessons from a friend, Loris Hayes. Loris also was the accompanist to a women's quartet that my mom sang with. The only time my mom could find time to practice was after we children had gone to bed;I would hear her practice and wanted to learn as well.  I had been babysitting for a few families for a couple of years by then. I can't imagine hiring a ten year old to babysit, but I guess I was mature and responsible for my age. Or the neighbors were hard up for cheap labor. I choose to believe the first explanation.  I decided that I would use my hard earned $1.00 an hour wage to pay for myself to take piano lessons. Money was tight while I was gro...

Another unfinished piece from Spring, 2014 Last week was Easter, the week before that was General Conference and my heart has been tender as I have pondered the blessings of both. I received an unexpected lesson from the Spirit during the Sacrament on Easter Sunday. Zach Skinner, a recently ordained Priest, a good friend of Spencer and a sweet young man that I have known for almost as long as we have lived here blessed the Sacrament. I knew that was a hard thing for him to do and was pleased to see him on the stand willing to serve in spite of his apprehensions. He blessed the bread and made a mistake, as many do, but I knew it would be especially discouraging for him. He attempted again, with the same error. This time, Rob Jex, who was presiding that day,  walked over to him and gently pointed out the place in the prayer that he needed to correct. After the third time he got the nod from the bishopric. I had witnessed this same scenario many times, but the beauty and lesson ...

I began this 9/25/15. I am going to publish it as is. I am sure I had a story for each about each of my children, but I only made it to two. My heart is full of love and joy for the blessing my children are to me. Each one of them are working through their own set of challenges and are blossoming. I came home from work yesterday to find that Spencer had fixed the car. On his own. It was making a weird noise before he left school and he and a friend checked it out and determined that it was an easy fix and that he could drive home with it the way it was, but it should not be driven more than that until it was repaired. He went to the auto parts store and purchased the part and fixed it. Just like that. Wow! How awesome that he is developing the skills and taking the initiative to be responsible for the maintenance of the car he gets to drive. Notice I didn't say "his" car even though he likes to think of it as that. I was so impressed and proud of him for doing that...

A few weeks ago I received a text from Taylor telling me he was seeing spots and had a headache. I asked him if he wanted me to come pick him up. He said he would try to stay a little bit longer. An hour later he asked me to come get hem. I asked my friend, Jen Earl to pick him up because I was at work. She told me he didn't look good and didn't say a word (that is not necessarily unusual). An hour later I texted Spencer and asked him to check on Taylor. He called me and said Taylor had a back headache and asked if he could take something. I told him to give him some Excedrin. He called me back a few minutes later and said that Taylor was acting strange and that his blood sugar was low. I sent him to get a neighbor/nurse for support until I got home. I immediately left work and quickly drove home. When I got home both Barry and Sandy Burkinshaw were there. They had gotten Taylor to drink a Capri sun and his blood sugar was fine. Good. He was, however, naked in his bed, cryi...